Concerns Over Unequal Access to NHS Weight-Loss Drugs in Scotland
Access to NHS weight-loss medication in Scotland is reportedly becoming a “postcode lottery,” with only two of the 14 regional health boards currently offering newer GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
It is estimated that around 300,000 people obtain these weight-loss drugs privately, but for many, the cost has become prohibitive.
Impact on Patients Paying Privately
Debbie from Glasgow shared her experience of having to stop Mounjaro injections after a steep price increase in September. Previously paying £199, she was faced with a sudden rise to £301 per dose, which she could no longer afford.
“The last time I paid for it, it was £199, and I was struggling to justify that. Then I got an email saying the same dose was going up to £301, and I thought, ‘Well, I can’t’. So now I’ve lost nearly three stone – but how am I going to keep this weight off? I’m getting to the stage of desperation for that type of rise. If I could get the same medication cheaper, I would. I’ve since been put on an 18-month waiting list for specialist weight management support through my GP.”
Challenges for Low-Income Individuals
Charities warn that Debbie’s situation is not unique. They emphasize that maintaining a healthy diet and managing weight becomes even more difficult for those on lower incomes, especially as food prices continue to rise.
Waiting Times for Specialist Support
Due to limited NHS availability and high private costs, patients like Debbie often face long waiting periods—up to 18 months—for specialist weight management services.
Author's Summary: Access to advanced weight-loss medication in Scotland is uneven, forcing many to face long NHS waits or unaffordable private costs, disproportionately affecting lower-income patients.